Within the area of the Strait there are clearly defined areas where we localize the different cetacean species.
All along the center of the channel (coinciding with the union of both tectonic plates) over 90 % of the long-finned pilot whales and of the bottlenose dolphin are reported. Most of the sperm whale sightings take also place in the center of the channel but to its eastern end of the Strait, coinciding with the deepest parts. In the occidental part, in shallower waters, the orca sightings take place. These sightings coincide with the area where the traditional yellow-fin tuna fishing takes place during July and August.The fin whale is generally sighted on the northern part of the Strait, and in many cases very close to the coast, in depth of less than 100 m.
At last the species showing the widest distribution are the striped and the common dolphin. They are sighted both close to shore and in the middle of the channel, and even inside the Bay of Algeciras where there seems to be a stable resident common dolphin population the whole year round.
In most occasions the spatial distribution of cetacean species in the Strait seems to be related to the distribution of the prey species.
Photo gallery and Video Photos and videos of sightings of whales in the Strait of Gibraltar, Bahia de Algeciras, beach of Los Lances Tarifa, Costa de La Luz
Links of interest related to Tarifa, the whale watching and collaborations.
News Last news of Turmares on sightings made studies and special excursions directed to children and the learning and knowledge of the sea wildlife and the protection of the nature through direct bonding with the environmental surroundings.
